
Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 150 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne worth booking?
Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne is a 6-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $130 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 150 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (150)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $130 per person
Escape Melbourne on an unforgettable adventure with the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. Begin at Grants Picnic Ground, where native birdlife and serene rainforest trails await. Then, board the iconic Puffing Billy Railw
What you get
About this experience
Escape Melbourne on an unforgettable adventure with the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. Begin at Grants Picnic Ground, where native birdlife and serene rainforest trails await. Then, board the iconic Puffing Billy Railway at Belgrave Station, and feel the thrill as you dangle your legs over open carriages during a magical one-hour journey through lush forests. At Lakeside Station, explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, discover steam train history, and enjoy lunch (own expense) surrounded by picturesque views. Perfect for nature and history lovers, this tour promises timeless memories for all ages. *At times train may operate in reverse
What's included
Included
- 1 hour train journey on Puffing Billy
- Return transfers to/from Melbourne in modern vehicle
- Friendly & informative guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
Grants Picnic Ground
Discover native birdlife and tranquil rainforest trails at Grants Picnic Ground, a serene escape in the Dandenong Ranges. This includes travel time from Melbourne to the Dandenong Ranges
90 minutes here
Board Puffing Billy at Belgrave Station, a historic steam train that whisks you into the heart of the rainforest.
15 minutes here
Puffing Billy Railway
Enjoy a magical journey through lush forests on Puffing Billy, dangling your legs over open carriages for an unforgettable ride.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, learn Puffing Billy's history, and grab lunch (at own expense) while surrounded by the serene lakeside scenery.
60 minutes here
Melbourne
Depart Lakeside and head back to Melbourne in the early afternoon
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Australia Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 150 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
150 verified traveler reviews for Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Loved the tour! Our tour...
Loved the tour! Our tour guide Nathan was very welcoming and thoughtful - it was a very worthwhile experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re delighted to hear you loved the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. Nathan will be thrilled to hear your kind words, and we’re so glad his welcoming and thoughtful approach helped make your experience worthwhile. We truly appreciate your support! 💜
via Viator
It was a great...
It was a great experience, the guide (Stuart) was very friendly and informative, best part was him taking photos and videos along the train ride.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re delighted you had such a great experience on the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. Stuart will be thrilled to hear your kind words, and we’re glad he helped capture some special memories with photos and videos along the train ride. Thank you for travelling with us! 💜
via Viator
Puffing Billy Experience
We truly enjoyed our stops along the way to the train ride. Our driver, Anthony made sure we stopped at a park to see kangaroos up close. The experience was fun, and well organized. Anthony also made a stop to see the beautiful Mountsin Ash trees up close.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re thrilled you enjoyed the stops along the way and the Puffing Billy experience. Anthony will be delighted to hear your kind words, and we’re glad he could help you spot kangaroos and experience the beautiful Mountain Ash trees up close. We truly appreciate your support! 💜
via Viator
Recommend!
Adam was great, told us stories and showed wild animals on the way! It was a fun train ride, could see a lot of great views
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re thrilled to hear Adam made the journey fun with his stories and helped you spot some wildlife along the way. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the Puffing Billy ride and beautiful views. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again soon! 💜
via Viator
This was an amazing...
This was an amazing experience. There is a little hike beforehand and then the train takes about an hour. Lots of fun pictures and our guide was incredible!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌟🚂 We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience on the Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour. It’s great to know you enjoyed the rainforest walk, train ride and capturing plenty of fun memories along the way. We’re also delighted your guide helped make the day so special. Thank you for recommending us! 💜
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $130 to $179
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 53
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.
How much does Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne cost?
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Prices start at $130 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.
Is Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 150 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne?
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Around 53 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Puffing Billy & Rainforest Tour from Melbourne start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Melbourne?
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On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Whisky and Chocolate Tour, Yarra Valley Wine Tour w Exclusive Gin, Cider & Chocolate Tasting, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Melbourne?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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